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Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars: A Sweetened Trip Down Memory Lane
There’s something simply delightful about baking gluten-free treats that are not only easy to make but also incredibly indulgent. Enter my beloved Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars. These scrumptious little squares not only satisfy my sweet tooth, but they transport me back to my childhood days spent making holiday goodies with my grandma. Whenever she whipped up a batch of her famous cranberry creations, the kitchen would fill with laughter, flour-covered countertops, and that sweet-tart aroma that wraps you in a warm embrace!
What I love most about these bars is how they beautifully blend rich flavors and textures. The base is soft, chewy, and gluten-free, thanks to a creative mix of flours, while the frosting adds that creamy touch which makes you feel indulgent without the guilt. Let’s dive right into making these blissful bars—you won’t regret it!
What’s in Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars?
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour – This is your main flour for a great gluten-free base. I love using Bob’s Red Mill for an all-purpose blend because it has a fantastic texture. But feel free to pick your favorite!
- 1/2 cup almond flour – Adds a slight nuttiness and moisture that will make these bars even more irresistible. I usually go for the store-brand option; it works just as well!
- 1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps those bars rise and become fluffy. Don’t skip this—no one likes dense bars!
- 1/4 tsp salt – Just a pinch for that balance! It enhances the sweetness while keeping your taste buds happy.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Butter makes everything better. Seriously, make sure it’s softened for easy creaming!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – This brings a rich sweetness and a lovely chew to your bars. It’s one of my absolute favorites for baking!
- 1 large egg – This binds everything together. Embrace those eggy hugs!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – A must-have for flavor, because who doesn’t love the smell of vanilla wafting through the air?
- 1 cup dried cranberries – These are the stars of the show! They add that delightful chewy texture we crave.
- Zest of 1 orange – This elevates the bars and brings a hint of sunshine to your taste buds!
Is Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars Good for You?
Oh, let’s talk about health benefits! With what’s in these Cranberry Bliss Bars, you get a treasure trove of nutrients! Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and add a beautiful sweetness to the contrast of the buttery base. Plus, gingerly sneaking in almond flour is a great source of healthy fats and a boost of protein.
However, as delightful as they are, keep in mind that they do include quite a bit of sugar and butter. If you’re watching your sugar intake or looking for a lighter option, you might want to indulge less frequently or consider portion control. Balance is key, dear friends!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped (for topping)
- 2 tbsp orange zest (for topping)
How to Make Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined!
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
- Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan.
- While the blondies are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the blondies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries and additional orange zest over the frosting for that delicious decoration.
- Cut the bars into squares and serve them to your eager friends and family!
Frost Yourself in Bliss: Additional Notes
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’re super portable too!
- If you’re feeling festive, consider adding some crushed nuts or even a drizzle of white chocolate over the top before serving. Your friends will love you for it!
- Serve them as a sweet treat during the holidays, at brunch gatherings, or even as a snack after a long day. Trust me; it never gets old!
So there you have it—my take on these irresistible Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars. I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl, and let me know how it turns out! I’m always excited to hear about your baking adventures. Happy baking!
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Feel free to modify or add any personal touches as you see fit! Enjoy your baking adventures!
